Committee passes Virginia Clean Economy Act, sends to Senate floor

The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee voted 12-3 on Sunday to pass SB 851, the Virginia Clean Economy Act.

The bill, a companion to HB 1526 that passed the House Labor and Commerce Committee, would enact a plan into law to implement Gov. Ralph Northam’s goal for Virginia to produce 100 percent of its electricity from clean sources by 2050.

The four pillars of VCEA would eliminate all utility pollution by 2050 and require major investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy resources throughout the Commonwealth.

A broad coalition of environmental groups, clean energy organizations, social justice, and businesses support the VCEA that was first introduced Dec. 19 by Sen. Jennifer McClellan, Del. Rip Sullivan, Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy, and Del. Alfonso Lopez.

“AEE and its member companies, which employ more than 100,000 Virginians across the Commonwealth, are thrilled by the actions of the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee yesterday,” Advanced Energy Economy Virginia Executive Director Harry Godfrey said. “We look forward to the full House and Senate taking action upon this landmark legislation early this week and transforming Virginia into a a leading state for clean energy.”

The full House is expected to vote on HB 1526 today, with SB 851 taken up by full Senate tomorrow in order to meet Virginia’s Feb. 11 crossover day, the deadline for bill action in both chambers.